RF Receiving Link Frequency Calibration via DC Offset Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Efficient frequency calibration of radio frequency transceiver links, particularly in high-frequency bands, is challenging due to process model deviations and package parasitic effects, leading to gain degradation and interference issues, and poor chip quality consistency.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency receiving link and transceiving device that includes an input unit, a clock unit, and a calibration unit to generate and mix signals, obtaining direct current offset information to perform frequency calibration, adjusting capacitance parameters in LNA, PS, and PGA HF to achieve precise resonance and maximize gain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a power detector is used to calibrate the radio frequency receiving and transmitting links, then frequency calibration can be performed, but it is difficult to realize high-precision power detector in high frequency band, resulting in poor calibration performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency calibration precisionVSAvoidrealization difficulty of power detector
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) as an intermediary component between the power detector and the frequency calibration process. The VCO converts the detected power level into a frequency signal that can be used to adjust the local oscillator frequency, thereby enabling frequency calibration without requiring the power detector to directly operate at high frequencies with full precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional direct high-frequency power detection mechanism with an indirect calibration approach using voltage-controlled frequency adjustment. Instead of mechanically or directly detecting high-frequency power with high precision, the system uses a control signal to adjust the oscillator frequency based on detected power levels, substituting the complex high-frequency detection mechanism with a simpler control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If capacitor arrays are used to control tuner capacitance for frequency calibration, then frequency tuning can be achieved, but mismatch between capacitor arrays causes frequency tuning error to become larger, especially in high frequency band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency tuning speedVSAvoidfrequency tuning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the frequency calibration unit continuously monitors the output frequency and adjusts the capacitor array selection based on the detected frequency deviation. The system uses the output frequency information to generate a feedback signal that modifies the capacitance value, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces tuning errors caused by capacitor mismatch

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability where the capacitor array configuration is not fixed but can be dynamically changed during operation. The system dynamically selects different capacitor combinations based on real-time frequency requirements and calibration status, allowing the capacitance value to adapt and change during the frequency tuning process rather than being static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If frequency calibration is not performed, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency band deviation causes gain decrease and interference suppression capability reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration system complexityVSAvoidfrequency band accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-calibrating mechanism where the frequency calibration unit automatically adjusts the local oscillator frequency based on detected signal characteristics without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures. The system uses its own output frequency information to perform self-adjustment, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment while maintaining frequency accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs frequency calibration as a preliminary action before normal operation begins. The frequency calibration unit executes calibration routines during initialization or setup phases to pre-adjust the local oscillator frequency and capacitor array configuration, ensuring accurate frequency operation is established before the system enters its operational state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables accurate frequency calibration, improving signal-to-noise ratio, reducing interference, and enhancing chip quality consistency across different chips, thereby addressing the limitations of existing calibration methods.

Implementation Method 1

The receiving link frequency-mixing unit is configured to obtain the first input signal and the local oscillator signal, and generate a first frequency-mixing signal according to the first input signal and the local oscillator signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 2

The calibration unit is configured to obtain first direct current offset information of the radio frequency receiving link. The first direct current offset information is direct current offset information in the radio frequency receiving link when the receiving link frequency-mixing unit generates the first frequency-mixing signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect current offset detection: Homodyne Detection

Implementation Method 3

the capacitance parameter called by peak detection is used for calibrating a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) to achieve the accurate resonance of the LNA in a radio frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12113584B2Radio frequency receiving link and radio frequency transceiving device
Publication Date: 2024.10.08 SANECHIPS TECH CO LTD
  • US12113584B2 patent drawing
  • US12113584B2 patent drawing
  • US12113584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radio frequency receiving link and a radio frequency transceiving device are provided. The radio frequency receiving link includes: an input unit, configured to input a first input signal; a clock unit, configured to generate a local oscillator signal; a receiving link frequency-mixing unit, configured to obtain the first input signal and the local oscillator signal, and generate a first frequency-mixing signal according to the first input signal and the local oscillator signal; and a calibration unit, configured to obtain first direct current offset information of the radio frequency receiving link, wherein the first direct current offset information is direct current offset information in the radio frequency receiving link when the receiving link frequency-mixing unit generates the first frequency-mixing signal.